By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Aug. 13.
Both meetings are being broadcast live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and streamed online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website. This blog is not the official minutes.
5:14 p.m.
The workshop has started. Councilman James Benham is out-of-town but is joining the meeting by teleconference.
5:21 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. Councilmembers pulled one consent item for workshop discussion:
- MRC Senior Living Resolution: The city has been asked by New Hope Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corporation to approve a nonprofit corporation for the issuance of bonds to build facilities for a retirement community called MRC Senior Living. The facility would be on about 12.3 acres on State Highway 6 between the exits of William D Fitch Parkway and Rock Prairie Road. The $75 million project is expected to consist of 80 independent living units, 30 assisted living units, 25 memory support units, and related common areas.
5:51 p.m.
Capital Plan Update
The council heard an update on the city's 61 active capital projects that are being planned, designed or constructed. Included in the discussion were the Ringer Library expansion, Lincoln Recreation Center addition, Lick Creek Nature Center, Lick Creek Hike & Bike Trail and various water, drainage, street and transportation-related projects. The active project list totals $118 million.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
6:42 p.m.
Possible Bond Election and Funding Options
The council's consensus was to forego a bond election in November and to fund various transportation projects and the design of a new police station with certificates of obligation. The FY16 budget will include funding to research options for a community center. Projects not funded this year through COs -- such as the construction of new police and fire stations and a community center -- could be part of a November 2016 bond election. The Bond Citizen Advisory Committee recommended each of the projects.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
6:59 p.m.
Proposed FY16 City Budget
The council got its first look at the city’s proposed budget for the 2016 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. The A series of budget workshops will be Monday and Tuesday of next week, with additional workshops on Wednesday and Thursday of needed. A public hearing on the tax rate is set for Sept. 2 while a hearing on the tax rate and budget will be Sept. 10. The budget is scheduled for adoption Sept. 21.
Click here to read a more detailed blog post about the proposed budget.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
7:12 p.m.
The mayor adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar, future agenda items, and committee reports. The regular meeting will start after a short break.
7:29 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:37 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Two people spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens may address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
- Ben Roper recognized Friday as the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II in honor of those who served and died.
- Robert Lightfoot spoke in favor of preserving the pump track located in Georgie K. Fitch Park.
7:38 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent items:
- Authorized a General Election for Nov. 3 to elect city council members for places 4 and 6 and established early voting locations and polling places.
- An inter-local government agreement with Brazos County for the conduct and management of the City of College Station General Election on Nov. 3.
- A $100,000 contract with Dunham Engineering to design and inspect the recoating of the interior of the Park Place Water Tower.
- All-way stop control at the intersections of WS Phillips Parkway and Barron Cut Off Road, WS Phillips Parkway and Brewster, and WS Phillips Parkway and Victoria Avenue.
- Contracts totaling $266,150.47 with Jamail & Smith Construction for various facilities corrective maintenance services.
- Temporarily changed the speed limit to 30 miles per hour on Graham Road between Longmire Drive and Dove Crossing Lane while the road is being reconstructed.
- An $860,022.50 contract with Elliott Construction for the Graham Road Rehabilitation Project.
- A $328,538 contract with Mitchell & Morgan for services related to the design of the Greens Prairie Trail Rehabilitation Project.
- Removed turns from Phillips Parkway into the Spring Creek Elementary School parents' exit.
- Added a 20-miles-per-hour school zone on WS Phillips Parkway, Brewster Drive, and Dunlap Loop near the new Spring Creek Elementary School.
- A $743,000 contract number with Jones & Carter for the design, bidding, and construction administration for the Water Well No. 9 Combined Project.
- A $308,411 contract with Elder-Aid for the grant of federal funds for the acquisition and rehabilitation of four existing dwelling units for affordable rental housing for eligible elderly households.
- Renewal of annual copy and print services price agreements with Alphagraphics (not to exceed $80,000), Copy Corner (not to exceed $40,000), and Office Depot (not to exceed $20,000).
- A bid award of $504,089 to Techline for the annual purchase of electric distribution poles.
- Called a public hearing on the city’s proposed FY16 budget for Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. at city hall.
- Authorized the mayor to approve the plan of finance and the issuance of New Hope Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corporation for MRC Senior Living Revenue Bonds, along with the project to be acquired with the bond proceeds.
- A license to encroach agreement regarding a 6.04-square-foot encroachment into a public utility easement at 1702 Lonetree Dr.
This item was pulled for a separate vote:
- The council unanimously approved an inter-local agreement with Brazos County to conduct and manage the City of College Station General Election on Nov. 3. The original consent item also included the management of a bond election.
7:43 p.m.
Munson Avenue Parking Removal
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve the Fire Department’s request to remove parking on both sides of Munson Avenue from Rose Circle to Dominik Drive as part of the reconstruction of Munson. The project includes a recommendation to narrow the street and widen the sidewalks.
City of College Station Public Works presented the no parking ordinance at the second public meeting for the Munson Avenue Reconstruction Project. All nine of the residents/property owners in attendance support the change.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
7:48 p.m.
Spring Creek Elementary School No Parking
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to remove parking, standing, and stopping within the proposed school zone around the new Spring Creek Elementary School.
The change was made at the request of the College Station Independent School district to enhance safety.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
7:56 p.m.
Cherry Street No Parking
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to remove parking along the south side of Cherry Street between Tauber Street and Stasney Street. The ordinance also removes parking on the north side of Cherry Street between 5-11 a.m.
The change provides the fire and sanitation departments access to the fire lane that serves the residential property on the east corner of the Cherry Street at Tauber Street intersection. It also improves safety for vehicles trying to turn from Tauber Street onto Cherry Street.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
8:09 p.m.
Rezoning at 1600 University Dr. East
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to change the zoning district boundaries from General Commercial and Corridor Overlay to just General Commercial for about 4.7 acres near the southwest corner of University Drive East and Glenhaven Drive. The location will be the site of a Pappadeaux restaurant.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
8:51 p.m.
Rezoning at 4201 Rock Prairie Rd.
The council voted unanimously to change the zoning district boundaries from Rural to Restricted Suburban and Suburban Commercial for about 21 acres at near the northeast corner of the Rock Prairie Road-Bird Pond Road intersection to allow for development.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
8:51 p.m.
The mayor adjourned the meeting. The council meets again Aug. 27.
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